I haven't written in a several weeks. But have checked this site periodically.
My mom had her first chemo treatment today. We had traveled to Jacksonville for a 2nd opinion and possibility of the Mayo Clinical Trial for cholangiocarcinoma. Dr. George Kim was really nice and it was well worth the trip. He talked about the possibility of a transplant (multi-organs - liver, gall bladder, etc) but said because her lymph nodes were involved she was not eligible for that but he did recommend chemo - something that the local Drs. had said "no surgery, no chemo, no radiation". She won't be in the trial, because of the distance (3 1/2 hrs away) and the side effects of the drugs they would need to use. Instead, she will take Gemzar (1000) for two weeks and then testing to determine the next step. We realize this is suppose to be a palliative treatment, not a cure. We are praying for God to heal her - maybe it'll be by chemo, maybe not - either way - we're happy she finally got to take it - and even happier that she has had NO side effects yet! Praise God! She even cooked supper and ate great tonight! We (my father & I) will continue to allow her the run of the house while she feels well enough. She is 70, independent and Italian - so we get out of her way when she gives the orders! We pray for another good day tomorrow as we are learning to take things a day at a time.
Jamie in GA